MORE than 500 cyclists, including Olympic and international bikers, will head for a forest in the region this weekend.

The second round of the British Mountain Bike Race Series is being held at Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, on Sunday.

The event also serves as a test event for bringing the UCI Mountain Bike Cross Country World Cup to Dalby Forest next year.

In the men’s races, British Olympic mountain bikers Liam Killeen and Oli Beckingsale will be joined by national Under-23 champion David Fletcher.

In the women’s races, national champion Jenny Copnall will battle it out on the new World Cup course with riders such as New Zealand Olympic rider Rosara Joseph.

Racing is available for riders of all ages from 12 upwards and takes place all day from 10am.

The Forestry Commission is offering free parking at Dalby Forest on the day.

For more information, visit britishxc.co.uk or britishcycling.org.uk